Kosofe Federal Constituency’s Representative, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, has faced severe backlash from her constituents following gesture to mark her first-year anniversary in office. The announcement that residents would receive a mere 3kg of gas as a token of appreciation has sparked outrage and widespread criticism, highlighting a growing disconnect between the representative and the community she serves. Adding to the controversy, concerns have been raised about the disappearance of Federally donated grains meant to alleviate the biting economic hardship.
The response from residents has been overwhelmingly negative, with many labeling the gesture as inadequate and insulting. One resident, SK, expressed his frustration, saying, “Which kind punishment be this? Make I carry iron for head from Isheri to Alapere… Even if I am driving down, no be juju be that? Bcos of 3kg of gas, 3 thousand naira peree… Una no go make heaven, Olohun.”
The logistical challenges and associated costs of collecting the gas were a common theme among the complaints. Residents from areas such as Ajegunle, Oworonshoki, Anthony, Gbagada, Ifako, Isheri, Irawo, Olowo-Ira, and Opic pointed out that the transportation expenses alone would exceed the value of the gas itself, rendering the gesture not only impractical but also pointless.
Oloye Seun Salami, a prominent Kosofe politician and close associate of the Chairman of Kosofe Local Government, Barrister Moyosore Ogunlewe, has added fuel to the fire by questioning the disappearance of relief grains donated by the Federal Government. “We need an answer on the disappearance of Kosofe Federal Constituency grains donated by the federal government of Nigeria under Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal and economic woes,” Salami stated.
Salami’s comments have intensified scrutiny on Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, especially as neighboring constituencies have successfully distributed their relief grains. “Interestingly, after the public outcry, Somolu Federal Constituency representatives have released their own rice to the constituents in an elaborate event covered by the media and Federal Government officials. Why has our own representative kept silent about the food?” Salami added, highlighting the disparity and lack of transparency in Kosofe.
The criticism extended beyond the immediate issue of the 3kg gas. Residents are calling for more meaningful and impactful actions from their representative. Giwa, another resident of Irawo, acknowledged that while one year might be too soon to fully judge Ogbara’s tenure, the current efforts fall short of expectations. He urged the representative to focus on significant infrastructural developments and better communication with the constituents.
The overall sentiment among the residents is one of frustration and disappointment. Grace, a resident of Orisa Village, summarized the general feeling: “The information says to all residents in Kosofe Federal constituency, but if you say it is going to be in phases, okay. But looking at the amount of refilling 3kg gas, even if it is done in my front, I will not stress myself. 3k, like seriously, ko worth eee. My opinion, I mean no harm.”
The discontent highlights a growing perception that Hon. Kafilat Ogbara is out of touch with the needs and priorities of her constituents. The gesture, intended to mark a milestone, has instead underscored a widening gap between the representative and the community, raising questions about her effectiveness and commitment to genuine poverty alleviation and infrastructural development.
As the representative set for her second year in office, the message from the residents of Kosofe Federal Constituency is clear: symbolic gestures are not enough. The community demands substantial, impactful actions that address their real needs and improve their daily lives. Hon. Kafilat Ogbara faces increasing pressure to deliver on her promises and prove that she is indeed the right person to represent Kosofe at the Green Chambers of the National Assembly.
